Definition

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an erratic and often fast beating of the upper part of the heart. The main job of this part of the heart is to push blood into the lower section of the heart. The heart then pushes blood out to the body.

AFib can decrease the amount of blood that reaches the lower section of the heart. Less blood in the heart means there will be less blood pumped out to the body. Blood can also become trapped and pool in the upper heart. This increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. AFib may be:

Occasional (paroxysmal)—atrial fibrillation starts and stops over short periods usually less than 48 hours

Causes

The beating of the heart is started and controlled by electrical signals. Normally these signals start from an area of the heart called the SA node. The signals move from the SA node through the heart in an organized way. The upper chambers contract first followed by the lower chambers. AFib is when the upper chambers of the heart activate in an irregular way. It makes the contraction less effective. Causes of Afib include:

Symptoms

AFib may not cause any symptoms. Symptoms that do occur may range from mild to severe.

Fast beating in the upper part of the heart may cause:

Irregular or rapid pulse or heart beat

Racing feeling in the chest

A pounding feeling in the chest

If the AFib is decreasing the amount of blood that is being pumped out to the body you may have:

Lightheadedness, which can lead to fainting

Sweating

Pain or pressure in the chest

Shortness of breath

Fatigue or weakness

Hard time exercising

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done to look for any signs of heart disease. The doctor may suspect a problem after listening to the heart and taking a pulse. The doctor may do one or more of the following:

Clot and Stroke Prevention

AFib allows blood to pool in the upper part of the heart. Blood clots can form in this pool, travel out of the heart, and cause a stroke. Medicine will help to stop these clots from forming. However, it can also increase the risk of severe bleeding. Most anti-clotting medicine will need close watching by your care team.

A procedure called left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may be considered if medicine is not an option. This procedure seals off a small area of the upper heart where clots tend to form.

Reducing Triggers

Certain habits can trigger an episode of AFib or make it worse. To decrease the chance of making the AFib worse:

Stop smoking

Reduce or eliminate caffeine

Reduce stress

Eliminate or reduce alcohol intake

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent AFib. Talk to your doctor about your overall heart health. A healthy heart may reduce the risk of some AFib.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.